SEScoops

Category: WWE

  • WWE Launching New Comic Book Series In March (PICTURES)

    The following press release was sent out Tuesday afternoon:

    TITAN PUBLISHING TO LAUNCH WWE COMICS

    Titan Publishing has announced its partnership with World Wrestling Entertainment® in the launch of WWE Comics. Over the course of the agreement, 20 issues will be produced and distributed to comic retailers and specialty stores in the US and Canada. The comic’s flagship title will be WWE Heroes featuring WWE Superstars and Divas, with the first issue debuting on March 23, 2010.

    The series will take the biggest WWE Superstars and Divas beyond the spotlight of the squared circle and into a brand new fictional universe.

    “Each week more than 1.6 million teens watch WWE programming on television in the U.S. This is an important demographic for the comic book industry and vital for a successful launch in the industry,” stated Ned Hartley, Editor, WWE Heroes. “We’ve got some truly amazing stories to tell – our first issue is going to blow you away! The “in-your-face, no-holds-barred” attitude of the WWE works so well as a comic, we just can’t wait for people to see the great surprises that we’ve got in store.”

    WWE Heroes series features Superstars Triple H®, Undertaker®, Randy Orton®, Batista®, Shawn Michaels®, Big Show®, John Cena®, CM Punk®, Kane®, Edge®, Chris Jericho®, Matt Hardy®, Rowdy Roddy Piper™, Carlito™, Jim Ross, Jerry Lawler® and Kelly Kelly®. The WWE Heroes cycle is written by Keith Champagne, who has penned acclaimed comics such as Justice Society of America, Green Lantern Corps, World War III and Adolescent Radioactive Black Belt Hamsters.

    Issue #1 reveals an eternal rivalry set against the backdrop of the history of WWE. Why is the ruthless Shadow King so obsessed with WWE? What is the reason for his eternal and supernatural war with the Firstborn? And could his ancient opponent really be a member of the WWE roster?

    Artwork is provided by comics’ artist, Andy Smith, who has worked as a penciller for major comic publishers such as Marvel, DC, Image, Acclaim, and CrossGen Entertainment.

    An alternate cover exclusive to comic stores of issue #1 features a specially-commissioned cover by comics’ artist Liam Sharp, who has worked on titles including Hulk, X-Men, Spider Man, Venom, Gears of War, Superman, Batman, and Spawn: The Dark Ages.

    WWE Heroes #1 on-sale March 23rd 2010. For more information visit WWEcomics.com.

    Check out the artwork for WWE Heroes, including the cover of Issue 1:

  • Report: ECW Brand To Be Shut Down In Early 2010

    The ECW brand will be put to rest once and for all in the near future.

    According to a reliable source, WWE officials have had several meetings with the Syfy network about re-branding WWE’s Tuesday night show. Both sides are in agreement that WWE’s version of ECW has been a bust and plans are already being made for a new weekly series. While several ideas have been tossed around (including a magazine-style recap show), right now the most likely option is that WWE will drop the ECW letters and “identity” (whatever that is) and create a new brand that will feature young and-and-coming stars. The Tuesday night timeslot will likely stay the same.

    WWE relaunched the ECW brand back in 2006 after the undeniable success of the “Rise and Fall of ECW” DVD set and later the ECW One Night Stand Pay-Per-View events. After ECW was relaunched as a brand, it quickly became apparent that WWE had no intention of keeping the elements that made the original ECW special and turned ECW into a watered-down, generic “C” show. The first week of ECW on Syfy back in 2006 drew around a 2.8. These days a 1.1 is considered a good week.

    While it may be bittersweet to see the ECW letters go, ECW has been dead for a long time and a brand featuring primarily young stars sounds like it has potential.

    Stay tuned for the latest.

  • Rey Mysterio Talks About Checking Into Rehab For Pain Pills

    In an interview to promote his new book, Rey Mysterio tells U.K.’s Daily Star that he checked himself into rehab last year after becoming dependent on prescription pain pills.

    “I’ve been wrestling for 20 years now, and after several operations, five on my left knee and three on my right arm, the medication caught up to me,” Mysterio told the Star’s Patrick Lennon. “I realized it, my wife realized it, and I knew it was time to make a change for myself, my family, and for the business I’m in.”

    Mysterio says he was tired of living the lifestyle of an addict and implied that he did not want to let addiction lead him down the same path as his dear friend, the late Eddie Guererro.

    “When you realize you’re in the right moment – that you haven’t lost your family, or lost your job it’s a good thing, and with the support and help of my wife and kids, I’ve moved on to something better,” Mysterio said.

    ** BUY Rey Mysterio’s New Book “Behind The Mask” From Amazon.com

  • WWE A Top Search Of 2009, Hogan Shows Off Girlfriend’s Ring

    – TMZ cameras caught up with Hulk Hogan and girlfriend Jennifer McDaniel at Los Angeles’ LAX airport on Monday. Hogan pointed out the huge diamond ring on McDaniel’s hand and said she very well “could be the new Mrs. Hogan.” Check it out:

    – Search engines Google and Yahoo! have released their list of the top searches of 2009. The “Top 5” searches were the same on both sites, with “WWE” claiming the number 3 spots. Here are the Top 5:

    1. Michael Jackson
    2. Twilight
    3. WWE
    4. Megan Fox
    5. Britney Spears

    – Talk show host Chelsea Handler completely wrecked Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake on her “Chelsea Lately” E! Network show on Monday night. After showing a picture of herself with Hulk Hogan from the first class lounge at an Australian airport, Handler ranted about how “f***ing disgusting” Brutus Beefcake was, calling him the grossest person she’s ever seen. She said Beefcake was running around yelling about how drunk he was. One of the other guests on the Handler show mentioned how “gay” the name “Brutus Beefcake” sounds. Overall, a scathing segment.

  • What You Didn’t See On Raw: After Raw, Dark Match & More

    Thanks to reader Greg Harlow for sending in these live notes from last night’s WWE Raw from Baltimore, MD:

    Live Notes: The arena was around 80% full and the crowd was hot all night. Lots of DX glowsticks in the crowd.

    Dark Match: Chris Masters defeated Chavo Guerrero with the Masterlock. Masters did his “boob dance” during his entrance.

    Superstars Match (SPOILER): Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase defeated Evan Bourne and Primo. Legacy dominated pretty much all of the match. Bourne was double-teamed and picked apart before making the hot tag to Primo. Primo suffered the Cross Rhodes and was pinned.

    After RAW: Big Show attacked DX from behind on the ramp. Jericho, Big Show and Randy Orton beat down DX until John Cena made the save. Jericho and Big Show were thrown out of the ring, leaving Randy Orton alone with DX and Cena. Orton tried to make a truce but got hit with DX and Cena’s finishers to end the show.

  • Jeff Hardy In Court Wednesday, Raw Segment Bumped, Ventura

    – Jeff Hardy will be in court once again this Wednesday for a probable cause hearing stemming from his September 11th arrest that resulted in him being charged with multiple drug-related felonies. If the court decides that Hardy committed the crimes he has been charged with then his case goes to a Grand Jury, where they decide whether or not to criminally indict Hardy. Read More: Jeff Hardy News.

    – Jesse Ventura appeared on CNN’s Larry King Live on Monday along with Arianna Huffington and Ben Stein to discuss the United States’ expected troop escalation in Afghanistan and how to pay for it. Video of the appearance can be viewed at HuffingtonPost.com.

    – We reported over the weekend that WWE rented out a courthouse in Baltimore to film a segment on Monday afternoon where Hornswoggle takes DX to “little people’s court.” For creative reasons, WWE decided to air the skits during next week’s Raw from Dallas, Texas. That show will be hosted by businessman Marc Cuban.

  • Stipulation Announced For Undertaker-Batista At TLC

    WWE has announced on its website that The Undertaker’s World heavyweight title defense against Batista at TLC will be a “Chairs” match.

    Here is the latest card for WWE’s Tables, Ladders & Chairs PPV on December 13th:

    Tables Match for the WWE Title
    John Cena vs. Sheamus

    Chairs Match for the World Heavyweight Title
    The Undertaker vs. Batista

    TLC Match for the Unified Tag Team Titles
    Chris Jericho & Big Show vs. DX

    Ladder Match for the ECW Title
    Christian vs. Shelton Benjamin

  • JR Blog: Austin & Flair In TNA, Soft WWE PPV Buyrates & More

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross
    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here’s what JR wrote about:

    His future in WWE: “Some think that it is automatic that when/if I return to WWE that I am automatically going back on the Smackdown announce team. I wouldn’t say it’s automatic at all. Let’s allow all the issues to play out and then see where I land. It might be Smackdown and then again it might not. I don’t have a crystal ball to gaze into but within the next few months things will shake out.”

    Steve Austin & Ric Flair In TNA: “Will Steve Austin ever go to TNA? That’s a question for Steve but my educated guess would be no. I don’t think Steve has any intention of ever wrestling again as he focuses on his movie career which is both time consuming and challenging for the ‘new guy.’ Steve is and always will, be a fan of the wrestling business but he’s building a body of work in the movie business and has been involved in, I think, 3 or 4 productions this year alone which is a helluva, challenging schedule “Will Ric Flair ever go to TNA? Again, that’s a “Naitch” question but the chances of Flair doing some work with TNA especially now that Hulk (Hogan) is headed there is much more likely than had Hulk not joined TNA in my opinion. Bottom line is that the above questions re: Austin and Flair can only be definitively answered by those two men but at least I addressed the questions of which we have been inundated.”

    Why WWE PPV Buyrates Are Down: “Read something about “why PPV buys are down in wrestling.” That’s an easy one. If the product/attraction is what the fans want to see they will find a way to buy it. PPV’s are attraction driven. Give me what I want and I will pay you for it. Obviously, some folks can’t afford the volume of PPV’s that come their way plus seemingly having a PPV every three weeks or so is not advantageous. One’s disposable income is an issue with buying any non essential products but wrestling fans will usually pony up the cash if the attractions are in place. Plus, it makes sense that more folks are chipping in and watching the PPV’s together.”

    As always, you can read the rest of JR’s informative blog at JRsBarBQ.com.

  • The Miz Tweets While Being Pulled Over For A Traffic Violation

    WWE Raw Superstar Mike “The Miz” Mizanin was pulled over by a police officer while driving on Saturday night and wrote about the situation on Twitter as it unfolded.

    “Just got pulled over. This always happens to me. Let’s see if I can get just a warning. Prob not though never that lucky,” said Miz regarding the encounter, presumably related to a minor traffic offense (such as speeding).

    He later added, “And the verdict is in….not guilty. Well actually I was guilty but was let go with a warning. See there r nice cops out there.”

    While getting pulled over for a minor traffic is not a huge deal (especially when he didn’t even receive a ticket), Miz’s Twitter postings seem to represent the kind of publicity WWE wanted to avoid when it supposedly told their superstars to limit their Twitter use and not post anything controversial.

    Visit our new affiliate site PWTweets.com to read the Twitter posts of pro wrestlers and divas!

  • C.M. Punk Saves Festus, Heat On McMahon For 9/11 Stance

    – Linda McMahon is getting some criticism from Republicans and Democrats alike for her wishy-washy response to a question about whether the 9/11 trials should be held in New York. “I’ll probably have more firm policy statements after the first of the year,” she said. Her detractors say that her refusal to pick a side shows her inexperience.  A spokesman for one of Linda’s Republican opponents in the Senate race said, “It is deeply disappointing that when given the opportunity to stand firm against Sen. Dodd’s dangerous and misguided approach, Mrs. McMahon took a pass. It goes to show that slick campaign ads and an army of high-priced consultants can’t buy the experience and judgment necessary to keep our nation safe.”

    UPDATE: The McMahon campaign now tells Courant.com: “Linda is opposed to trying Khalid Sheik Mohammad in civilian court. Her position on terrorist trials is crystal clear and unwavering, just as it is with cap-and-trade, card check legislation, government-run healthcare and runaway spending.”

    Warning: The following contains a minor spoiler for Friday’s SmackDown:

    – The WWE superstar formerly known as Festus has been repackaged and is now aligned with C.M. Punk. During Tuesday night’s SmackDown taping, Festus joined Punk in the ring and announced himself as Luke Gallos.  Gallos acted like a normal guy and blamed his previous mental condition on years of drug abuse. Punk took credit for helping Gallos get off drugs and has taken him under his wing. As we reported several weeks ago, Festus will serve as Punk’s enforcer.

    Related News: *Spoilers* WWE SmackDown Taping Results For 11/27

  • WWE SmackDown Results For 11/27

    WWE taped this week’s edition of Smackdown tonight from the Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Below are full results:

    * The show opens with Chris Jericho talking about defending the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship at WWE’s TLC PPV. He says tonight’s Batista vs. Kane match will determine the new number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship. Jericho says he should be in the match. Teddy Long comes out
    and sets up Jericho vs. The Undertaker in a non-title match for later in the night.

    * The Hart Dynasty b. Cryme Tyme

    * Vickie Guerrero and Eric Escobar demand to Teddy Long that he get a shot at the Intercontinental Championship in a backstage segment. Long makes the match against John Morrison, but says it will be his only shot.

    * CM Punk brings Festus out with a brown paper bag. Punk introduces Festus under a new gimmick and says his friends gave him pills in the past, which caused him to act like they did. Punk says what is inside the bag comes out December 1st and he’s scared it will be available to the public. The pulls out the new Jeff Hardy DVD which brings out Matt Hardy.

    * Matt Hardy b. CM Punk via disqualification after interference from Festus. After the match, Punk and Festus beat down Hardy.

    * Mickie James is asked what she thinks of Michelle McCool’s video last week. James says she doesn’t care how juvenile Layla and McCool get and she’s not leaving Smackdown.

    * Batista b. Kane via count count out to become the number one contender to the World Heavyweight Championship

    * WWE Intercontinental Champion John Morrison b. Eric Escobar to retain. After the match, Vickie was furious as Escobar and spit on him. The fight spews to the back with Escobar telling Vickie she makes him sick when she kisses him. He “breaks up” with her.

    * World Heavyweight Champion The Undertaker b. Chris Jericho by disqualification. Batista was on commentary for the match. Batista interfered when Undertaker was going for the Tombstone. The show ended with Batista beating down Undertaker.

    * After the match, CM Punk came out and started beating up Undertaker with Jericho and Batista. Kane came out and made the save.

  • Ric Flair Bachelor Party Pictures

    Ric Flair posted these pictures from his 2009 bachelor party on Facebook:

    [nggallery id=73]

  • RAW Rating Is In For 3-Hour Show Hosted By Jesse Ventura

    Monday’s special 3-hour Thanksgiving edition of WWE Raw hosted by Jesse Ventura did a 3.23 overall rating. The final 2 hours of the show, Raw’s typical timeslot, did a strong 3.55 rating – up from last week’s 3.47.

    The hourly ratings were 2.60, 3.60 and 3.50 rating. When WWE runs 3-hour Raws, the first hour typically draws considerably fewer viewers than the second and third hours.

    Comparing the final two hours of this week to last week’s show from Madision Square Garden, viewership was up 2.5 percent

    (Credit to the Pro Wrestling Torch for the ratings data used in this report)

  • Rey Mysterio Surgery Update: Change Of Plans, His Return

    As previously reported, Rey Mysterio’s knee is in bad shape and the former World Heavyweight champion will need surgery to repair the situation. The beatdown he suffered at the hands of Batista following their match at Survivor Series was done to set up his time away from the ring.

    While there was talk that he’d undergo an extensive surgery to fully repair the ACL, Mysterio is now is said to be considering a less invasive procedure on his ACL that would allow him to return sooner than later.

    The more invasive procedure would have kept him out of action for upto 9 months and he would have missed WrestleMania 26. While this other surgery he’s considering will allow him to return at the Royal Rumble, he will still need major surgery down the road, likely after he retires.

    (Credit to PWInsider.com for some of the information used in this report)

  • Shane McMahon Looking To Buy Into UFC

    We’ve been covering the story that Shane McMahon recently met with UFC officials. At the UFC 106 posts-fight press conference, UFC president Dana White confirmed that he met with McMahon, but would not give further details regarding the nature of the meeting.

    We’ve now learned that Shane McMahon is interested in purchasing a financial interest in UFC.

    McMahon, who currently servces as WWE’s Vice President of Global Media, will officially leave that post on January 1, 2010 and be free to work elsewhere.

    With his extensive knowledge of marketing and expanding a sports brand into new markets, McMahon could be a big asset to the UFC as they continue their international expansion.

  • JR Blog: Jesse Ventura, Sheamus’ Push, The Rock

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross
    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here’s what Ross said about:

    Jesse Ventura Hosting Raw: “Jesse Ventura did an excellent job as guest general manager … Jesse looked good, had his usual distinctive, great delivery and, for me, created an interest in checking out his new “Conspiracy Theory” program that debuts soon on truTV. Ventura and McMahon was a fun trip down memory lane and they were, perhaps, the 2nd best broadcast team to appear on Monday Night Raw in a good while as in the summer of ’08. Just one man’s totally biased opinion. I would have been happy to have flown in and produced the two wrestling legends.”

    Sheamus’ Push: “Sheamus has found himself in a great spot to help begin building his long term foundation in WWE. I read where some pundits felt the incident between the young Irishman and John Cena was “flat.” I disagree. Obviously, the crowd sitting in their seats over three hours is challenging, has an influence but isn’t the real reason. However, let’s all remember that Sheamus hasn’t been on Raw in any significant role for, what, a month, 5 weeks? Sheamus has not even been in a long term personal issue with a main event, Raw wrestler yet…until now. Bottom line is that Sheamus’ persona is still evolving and the next two weeks and then TLC is highly important to Sheamus’ development. At worst, the WWE has made a new, fresh main event for a PPV and from where I sit that is a good thing.”

    The Rock Saying He’d Work With WWE Again: “I would bet a 6 Pak Challenge and throw in a case of BBQ Sauce that those remarks don’t mean that Dwayne is thinking about wrestling again. I do not see that occurring but his appearances could mean an unlimited number of other things that don’t include putting on the tights. Time will tell.”

    Related News: The Rock & WWE Working On Special TV Project

  • Piggy James: Backstage Reaction To WWE Embarrassing Mickie

    As seen last week on SmackDown, Mickie James was introduced to Michelle McCool’s personalized version of “Old McDonald,” a video designed to degrade the curvaceous SmackDown Diva with its starring character “Piggy James.” For those wondering, the segment was indeed designed to send a message to the multi-time women’s champion.

    WWE brass aren’t happy with James venturing outside of the company for her country music aspirations as they believe she’s heading down the same path as the likes of Dwayne “The Rock” and Stacy Keibler, who let their outside endeavours overtake their commitments to the company.

    Additionally, company officials have not been pleased with James’ weight in recent months, which was another reason for the degrading segment.

    (Credit to PWInsider.com for some of the information used in this report)

  • Jericho Interview: Hogan In TNA, Leaving WWE In 2005

    WWE Unified tag champion Chris Jericho was recently interviewed by Express Night Out. Here’s what he said about:

    Leaving Wrestling In 2005: I think last time I was burned out after 15 years of being in the business, and kind of really spinning my wheels when I left. I wasn’t really mentally there, and if you’re not mentally there in this job you might as well just quit because you get hurt or you hurt somebody else…

    Keeping Busy On The Road: You spend a lot of time sleeping. When you get on the plane, you watch movies or read a magazine or book , or just sleep, chill out, relax. Because a lot of the travels we make are verylong, so you really just have to settle into it and not be too hyper; you just have to relax, otherwise you’ll lose your mind being on planes for, sometimes, 15 hours. You have to learn to relax when you’re traveling.

    Hulk Hogan Joining TNA: Anything that makes that company bigger is better for us. Competition is what we thrive on, so good luck to them. I hope they get a real big boost from it.

    Mr. Lobo Incident: It’s frustrating, [but] I guess it’s just the world we live in nowadays, so you have to be careful with what you say because nobody has a sense of humor or really understands when you’re just shooting the breeze with your friends. So, I got my slap on the wrist, and I’m very, very, very, very sorry to anybody who was offended.

  • JR Blog: Undertaker’s Next Feud, Mysteiro, Young Talent

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross
    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. In this update, Ross gives his thoughts on Sunday’s Survivor Series PPV and more. Some highlights:

    Undertaker’s Next Feud: “I assume that ‘Taker is Batista’s next target as I can’t see a return match from Sunday night. Taker-Batista seems the most logical but I don’t have any inside info to base this on FYI.

    Rey Mysterio: “I assume that ‘Taker is Batista’s next target as I can’t see a return match from Sunday night. Taker-Batista seems the most logical but I don’t have any inside info to base this on FYI.

    WWE’s Young Talent: “The key, young guys got the chance to shine in the first tag bout including (Dolph) Ziggler, Miz, (Jack) Swagger, (Drew) McIntyre, and Sheamus. All these guys are ‘keepers’ and are counted on to be future, PPV headliners. The creative debate aside, the level of success these young men find will largely be up to them, how innovative they can become, and how willing they are to dedicate themselves to getting better and being reliable and problem free individuals. Good, solid opening contest.”

  • Matches Announced For WWE TLC, Briscoe Brothers Update

    – The following matches have been announced for WWE’s Tables, Ladders and Chairs pay-per-view on December 13th:

    • Unified Tag Team champions Big Show & Chris Jericho vs. DX in a TLC match.
    • WWE champion John Cena vs. Sheamus in a Tables Match

    — As reported earlier, former Ring of Honor Tag Team Champions The Briscoe Brothers received tryouts with WWE prior to last Tuesday’s SmackDown/ECW taping in Philadelphia. The brothers Briscoe are currently under contract to ROH and were granted permission to tryout. In an update on the situation, WWE officials were impressed with their tryout and they have been called back to tryout again for further evaluation.

  • Survivor Series Dark Match, CM Punk’s Standing In WWE

    – The dark match before tonight’s Survivor Series pay-per-view in Washington, DC saw Santino Marella defeat Chavo Guerrero with an eye-poke and a rollup.

    — As seen in recent weeks, CM Punk has taken a lesser role on Friday Night SmackDown since dropping the World Heavyweight Championship to Undertaker at last month’s Hell in the Cell pay-per-view, instead being placed in a program with perennial mid-card performer R-Truth after months of top-level feuds. While it would appear that he’s been demoted, the company is looking to have him assist R-Truth for the time being by putting him over in hope that he reaches main event level status. (source: PWInsider.com)

    – If The Undertaker vs. John Cena transpires at WrestleMania 26 in Arizona, both are expected to remain faces heading into the match.

  • WWE Survivor Series 2009 PPV Results

    We get a video package highlighting the history of Survivor Series, from traditional Survivor Series matches, to the debut of the Undertaker.  We get a look at the triple threat match between Show, Jericho and the Undertaker, before we get footage of the other feuds heading into tonight.

    The opening pyro hits, Michael Cole welcomes us to the show, and this one is ready to start.  We get a traditional Survivor Series Tag Team match to kick things off as it’s going to be Team Miz vs. Team Morrison.

    WWE Intercontinental champion John Morrison, Matt Hardy, Evan Bourne, Shelton Benjamin & Fit Finlay vs. WWE United States champ The Miz, Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, Dolph Ziggler & Jack Swagger

    Bourne and Swagger look to start things out for their respective teams.  Bourne uses his quickness to sidestep Swagger a couple of times before Bourne connects with a roll up.  Bourne goes for a small package, but Swagger counters with a suplex and tags in Ziggler.  Ziggler makes his way into the ring and hits a nasty neckbreaker variation on Bourne before sending him into the corner.  Ziggler hits a crazy belly-to-back suplex and he tries for the pin but Bourne kicks out.  Ziggler hits a series of elbows before taking off his elbow pad and hitting one more high impact jumping elbow.  Ziggler makes the tag back out to Swagger.

    Swagger wears down Bourne tags Ziggler back in. Bourne comes out of nowhere with a huge double knee drop on Swagger, but Ziggler is the legal man, and he locks in a single-leg crab.  Ziggler pulls Bourne to the center of the ring, but Bourne fights out and hits a hurricarana from out of nowhere.  Bourne tags in Hardy and the two start double teaming Ziggler.  Hardy hits a side effect and tags in Bourne, who hits a shooting star press.  Bourne pins Ziggler and he’s the first man eliminated.

    Drew McIntyre enters the ring hits a double arm DDT on Bourne.  He gets the quick pin and now Bourne is gone.  Finlay enters the ring and unloads on McIntyre.  McIntyre tags in Sheamus, who delivers a nasty boot to Finlay’s face.  Sheamus pins Finlay and he is eliminated.  Hardy comes in to work on Sheamus. Hardy gets the upper hand, throwing the Celtic warrior in the corner with an Irish whip. Sheamus fights back and delivers a big slam on Hardy.

    Sheamus tags Miz, who continues the beatdown on Hardy. Miz takes advantage of Hardy in the corner. The crowd is behind Hardy, who is able to fight back a bit. He goes for a slam, but Miz reverses it into a modified DDT. Miz goes for the pin but Hardy kicks out.  Miz goes for another chin lock, but Hardy won’t quit. Hardy hits a side Russian leg sweep and both men are down.

    Miz tags in Swagger. Hardy surprises Swagger with an attack but Swagger regains control and puts Hardy on the mat. Swagger locks in a rear chin lock on Hardy and he’s able to fight out again, this time into a sleeper-neckbreaker combination. Morrison tags in and goes to town on Swagger.  Morrison hits a picture-perfect dropkick and then a running knee. Swagger fights back and goes for the Vader bomb – nobody home. Morrison hits Swagger with a springboard kick to the head but McIntyre and Sheamus enter the ring and break up a pin attempt. Hardy and Bejamin come in and take out the heels. The ref can barely keep order. Swagger goes for the gut wrench powerbomb, but Morrison fights out of it.  Morrison connects with Starship Pain and another ref comes down to make the count.  Swagger is eliminated.

    Miz enters the ring and attacks Morrison.  Miz connects with his corner lariat, before going to the top turnbuckle for a double ax handle.  Miz locks in a rear chin lock but Morrison is able to fight out.  Morrison makes the bling tag to Benjamin who comes in and surprises Miz with a roll up.  Miz is able to kick out, but Shelton’s offense is too much for him to handle. Benjamin connects with a top rope splash. Benjamin hits a Northern Lights suplex, then a German suplex, but can’t keep Miz down.  Sheamus surprises Benjamin with a headbutt and Miz is able to connect with the skull crushing finale to send Benjamin to the showers early. Hardy enters and Miz tags in McIntyre.  McIntyre is able to work over Hardy with a couple of quick strikes, but Hardy answers with a drop toe hold. Hardy hits a neckbreaker and he goes to the second rope for a big leg drop.  Hardy covers McIntyre, but he kicks out.

    Hardy goes for a moonsault, but McIntyre avoids it.  McIntyre hits his big DDT on Hardy and gets the 3 count.

    Morrison enters and works over McIntyre in the corner. The referee breaks it up, but McIntyre is able to get the upper hand with a sneak attack.  McIntyre tags in Sheamus who comes in and continues attacking Morrison. Sheamus makes a quick tag out to Miz who’s in with a big kick to Morrison’s mid-section.  Miz screams at Morrison, but Morrison blocks a punch and gets in a coupple of blows of his own.  Morrison hits Miz with a big heel kick, but Miz is able to tag out to Sheamus who is in with a big forearm to Morrison’s head.  Sheamus distracts the ref long enough for both McIntyre and Miz to get a coupple of licks in.  Morrison is fending off all three men, sending McIntyre and Miz to the floor.  Sheamus counters a springboard kick with a kick of his own to Morrison’s knee.  Sheamus hits a running Razor’s Edge, pins Morrison, and this one is over.

    Winners and Survivors: Drew McIntyre, The Miz and Sheamus

    Team Kofi is shown backstage strategizing.  Christian says that he doesn’t know if his teammates are aware or not, but he’s different than them.  Henry says the all have one goal and that’s to win.  Christian says that makes him feel better since he’s the only one from ECW.  Christian asks is everyone thought it was because he was Canadian.  Christian talks a little bit about Canadian rappers with R-Truth before doing a freestyle pointing out the fact that he’s the only white member of the team.  The rest of his team look a little confused, but they put it behind them a laugh it off quickly.

    Rey Mysterio vs. Batista

    A video package airs highlighting the events that have led up to this match.

    Mysterio is out first. He walks out to the ring slowly, talking to some fans on his way to the ring. Batista is out next and gets a decent reaction from his hometown crowd.  Mysterio heads to the outside and Batista paces the ring, stalking him.  Batista finally lets Mysterio back into the ring, and the bells rings.  Mysterio uses his speed to get a leg up on Batista, attacking him with a bunch of kicks. Batista goes for a slam but Rey gets free and hits a dropkick to Batista’s knee.  Mysterio attempts a 619, but Batista bails to the floor.  Rey follows him outside, only to be slammed back into the ring apron.  Mysterio surprises Batista with a quick kick and headbutt, but Batista comes out of nowhere with a huge lariat to put Mysterio down to the mat.

    Batista teases a Batista bomb, but Mysterio fights out and continues to work on Batista’s knee. Rey sends Batista into the ropes with a dropkick to the back, but when he goes for the 619, it’s blocked by Batista.  Batista tries for the Batista bomb, but Mysterio pounds away and counters with a hurricarana to the outside.  Mysterio follows up with a baseball slide to send Batista into the ringside barrier.  Batista fights back and sends Mysterio back into the ring, but Mysterio surprises Batista with a 619 to his back, then stomach, then a final 619 to Batista’s face before hitting a springboard senton.  Mysterio goes for a frog splash but Batista gets his knees up.

    Batista hits a giant spear and Mysterio is down.  Batista picks up Rey and hits a huge spinebuster before stalking Mysterio and picking him up again.  Batista takes his time executing a Batista bomb, but he doesn’t go for the pin.

    Batista picks Mysterio up again and takes him down with a second Batista bomb.  The referee checks on Mysterio for a bit before Batista picks up Mysterio for a third Batista bomb.  The referee calls for the bell.

    Winner by referee stoppage: Batista

    The medical staff is out to check on Mysterio, who is really in bad shape. Batsta comes back into the ring with a chair and sits down next to Mysterio.  Batista gets up, and tosses the chair aside before picking Mysterio up and throwing him over his shoulder.  Batista throws Mysterio down with a brutal spinebuster on top of the chair before calmly walking to the back.  The medical staff is back in the ring to put a brace on Mysterio and put him on a backboard.

    Team Orton is shown backstage.  Orton said he felt a lot better earlier, because he thought he’d be standing next to the ECW champion, two men that should show the world what the future should be like, and the straight edge World Heavyweight Champion.  Punk says Orton should have led by example.  Orton says it can all be erased with a win tonight and that is what he expects them to do.

    Randy Orton, Ted DiBiase, Cody Rhodes, CM Punk & William Regal vs. Kofi Kingston, MVP, R-Truth, Mark Henry & Christian

    CM Punk is out first for his team, followed by William Regal,  Legacy and then team captain Randy Orton. Kofi Kingston is out first for his team and gets a great crowd reaction. They show video recapping the feud between Kofi and Orton. MVP is out next, followed by Mark Henry, ECW Champion Christian and then R-Truth.

    Punk tries to jump Truth as soon as he gets to the ringside area, but the referee holds him back.  Truth plays off the crowd with his ‘What’s Up?’ routine. Orton and Henry start things off with Punk jumping Truth as soon as he gets to the ringside area. Henry hits a big splash on Orton and then attacks the rest of the members of Team Orton, knocking them to the floor. Henry gives Orton a big bear hug, but Legacy breaks it up while the referee is distracted. Orton his an RKO on Henry out of nowhere and gets a 3 count. Orton exits the ring and holds a team meeting while MVP waits in the ring.

    Orton backs up MVP into the heel corner and tags in Dibiase, who joins in joins in on the MVP beatdown.  The heels are tagging in one after the next with each man stomping a mudhole in MVP.  Punk gives him a rear chin lock, but MVP fights out and hits a quick belly to belly suplex.  Truth makes his way into the ring and hits Punk with a couple of quick right hands and a big hip toss.  Truth ducks a clothesline from Punk, but he gets distracted and falls victim to a G2S from Punk.  Punk pins Truth, and Truth is gone.

    Christian enters the ring and he’s able to hold his own before falling victim to a body slam.  Dibiase enters and joins Punk in stomping Christian. Dibiase goes for the pin on Christian, but only gets two.  Big scoop slam on Punk and Dibiase is looking for Dream street.  Christian tries to counter with the killswitch, but Dibiase counters with a slingshot into the corner.  Christian launches himself over Dibiase and grabs him with a sunset flip.  The ref counts three and Dibiase is gone.  Regal is in quickly to pound on Christian, but Christian tags out to Kingston, who is all over Regal with some big strikes.

    Regal tags out to Rhodes, who beats on Kingston for a bit, but when Regal tags back into the match, Kofi is able to fight back a bit with a couple of right hands, but he falls victim to an exploder bomb.  MVP tags in and hits a Chono kick, and gets the pin to eliminate Regal.

    MVP tags out to Christian, gets beat down by Rhodes as soon as he enters.  Rhodes locks in a body scissors, but Christian fights back and goes for the roll up. Rhodes kicks out at two and hits an explosive clothesline.  Orton tags in and hits a dropkick on the ECW champ. Orton stomps away at Christian’s midsection before tagging in Rhodes.  Rhodes misses a knee drop and Christian makes the tag to MVP.  MVP comes in with a series of clotheslines, and a facebreaker.  MVP hits the ballin’ elbow, but MVP is distracted by Orton.  This allows Rhodes to hit cross Rhodes, and get the pin on MVP. Kofi surprises Rhodes with a roll up, but he can’t hold him down.

    Kofi tags in Christian, who immediately gets a kick to the breadbasket by Rhodes.  Rhodes tries to leap frog Christian, but Christian connects with the killswitch and pins him for the three.  Orton enters the ring and Christian unloads on him. Orton surprises Kofi and sends him to the floor, but it allows Christian to catch Orton is a surprise roll up.  Punk distracts Christian and allows Randy to try for an RKO, but Christian counters with a killswitch.  Christian tries for the pin, but Punk breaks it up.  Christian charges Orton in the corner, but Orton moves and Christian connects with the ring post.  Orton connects with an RKO, pins Christian, and the ECW Champ is gone.  Kofi is the lone man and Orton tags in Punk.

    Kingston and Punk talk for a bit before trading blows.  Kofi comes out on top, but Punk is able to get him in position for the Go to Sleep, Kofi fights out and tries for the Trouble in Paradise, but Punk ducks it.  Kofi connects with a dropkick before hitting the SOS, but Punk is able to kick out of the pinfall attempt.  Kofi tries for a splash in the corner, but Punk moves out of the way and the tide of the match turns.  Punk lands a big kick to Kofi’s back, and he tries for a pin, but Kingston kicks out at two.  Punk locks in a leg lock on Kofi’s neck, but Kofi fights out by kicking Punk in the head.

    Punk connects with a powerslam and goes right back into a leg lock, this time it’s a body scissors on Kingston.  Kingston fights out with a couple of elbows to Punk’s head.  Kofi tries for a splash but Punk gets his knees up.  Punk blows the fans a kiss before hitting a big falcon arrow, but Kofi is still able to kick out at two.

    Punk connects with the high knee to the face and goes for a bulldog. Kofi counters with a belly to back suplex.  Kofi goes for the top rope, but Punk catches him with a right hand.  Punk goes for a top rope superplex, but Kofi fights out of it and sends Punk back.  Punk is quick to come back, but Kofi sends Punk down again and connects with a giant cross body, but again it’s only good for two.  Kofi connects with a couple of strikes and a high kick to Punk before being distracted by Orton.  Punk tries to roll up Kofi, but Kingston rolls through and ends up holding Punk down for a three count instead.  Orton is in the ring and Kingston connects with the Trouble in Paradise out of nowhere.  Kingston pins Orton and this one is over.

    Winner and Sole Survivor: Kofi Kingston

    Triple Threat World Heavyweight Title Match: The Undertaker vs. Big Show vs. Chris Jericho

    Matt Striker recaps what happened on Friday’s Smackdown between these three. Chris Jericho’s music hits, and he makes his way down to the ring. Big Show is out next and he stares down his partner Chris Jericho. There’s a long pause …… GONG! The lights go out and the place explodes.

    Jericho and Big Show start off working together, cornering Taker in the corner and beating him down. Taker tries to fight back, but the champs are really on him. Show launches Undertaker into the corner and he drops him with a clothesline.  Jericho clotheslines the Dead Man over the top rope but he lands on his feet and drags Jericho to the outside.  Taker works Jericho over on the outside. Undertaker goes for a big boot on Jericho, but Jericho moves and Taker ends up straddling the barricade.  Jericho knocks him over the barricade. Big Show joins in and delivers the knockout punch to Taker’s stomach.

    The tag champs bring Taker back into the ring and Jericho stomps away at Taker.  Jericho is calling the shots, telling Big Show to stand on Taker’s throat. Jericho goes to the outside and punches away at Taker. Undertaker fights back, connecting with a jumping lariat and sending Show to the outside. Undertaker sends Show head first into the ring post and he goes back up to the ring apron.  Jericho tries to surprise Taker with a springboard dropkick, but Taker connects with a big fist instead.  Taker goes for Old School, but Jericho crotches Taker on the top turnbuckle.

    Jericho goes for a superplex, but Undertaker fights out.  Jericho is keeps fighting and connects with a superplex on the second attempts.  Jericho tries for the cover, but only gets two. Jericho mounts Taker and hits him with a couple of big rights before going for the lionsault.  Taker gets his knees up, but Jericho immediately lock in the Walls of Jericho.  Jericho keeps Taker in the middle of the ring, but Show makes his way into the ring and breaks it up. Show gives Jericho with a chokeslam.  Show tries to chokeslam Taker, but Undertaker counters with a DDT and all three men are down.

    Jericho goes for the pin on Taker but only gets two.  Jericho tries for the pin on Show, but Show kicks out with so much force it sends Jericho to the outside.  Show and Taker trade blows in the middle of the ring with Taker getting the upper hand.  Show gets his hand around Taker’s throat and tries for the chokeslam, but Taker tries for one of his own.  Jericho comes in and hits Show with the title belt, but falls victim to a big boot from Taker.  Undertaker tries for the cover but Jericho kicks out at two.  Taker sends Show to the outside.  Taker picks up Jericho for the last ride, but Jericho has the belt and he smashes Taker in the head.  Jericho slowly makes the pin, but Taker is able to kick out at two.

    Jericho teases the tombstone, but Taker reverses into tombstone position.  Big Show catches Undertaker with the knockout punch and goes for the pin on Undertaker butJericho breaks things up.  Jericho goes for the cover but Show breaks things up.  Jericho tries for the code breaker, but Show catches him and tosses him aside before hitting the knockout punch. Show attempts a a chokeslam on Taker, but he counters with Hell’s gate.  Undertaker clamps down hard and Big Show has no choice but to tap out.

    Winner and STILL World Heavyweight Champion: The Undertaker

    Josh Matthews is backstage with the winners of tonight’s opening match – The Miz, Sheamus and McIntyre.  Miz says that what we saw tonight was just a taste of what these three have to offer.  He says at Bragging Rights he proved he was better than John Morrison, and tonight he proved he was a better leader.  McIntyre says that when Mr. McMahon said McIntyre would be a future World Champion, he meant it, and tonight everyone saw what he meant.  Sheamus says that it might have even been a bit too easy, and that if they don’t bring the competition to him, he’s going to bring it to them.  Miz says there was never any doubt because he’s the Miz, and he’s awesome.

    WWE Women’s champ Michelle McCool, Jillian Hall, Beth Phoenix, Layla & Alicia Fox vs. Mickie James, Eve Torres, Kelly Kelly, Melina & Gail Kim

    Team Michelle is out first, followed by Team Mickie.  Kelly Kelly and Layla start things out, with Layla taking Kelly down and pounds away at her head. Layla goes for a quick cover, but only gets one. Layla hits a low dropkick to Kelly’s back and goes for another quick cover. Layla misses a kick in the cover but Kelly sells it anyways.  Kelly starts to fight back, and is able to hit her step up leg drop, getting the pin and eliminating Layla.  McCool is in and she pounds away at Kelly, who tags in Gail Kim.  Kim goes for a hurricarana, but McCool turns it into the Styles Clash and eliminates Kim.

    Eve comes in, as does Jilliam Hall, who goes to work by pulling at Eve’s hair.  Jillian connects with a quick forearm. Jillian stomps away on Eve and sends her into the corner, Jillian goes for a back elbow, but Eve gets her knees up.  Eve goes up to the top and connects with a sunset flip to pin Jillian and eliminate her.  Phoenix is in and she hits her finisher on Eve and pins her. Kelly Kelly is in and she also gets eliminated by the Glamazon.

    Mickie James enters the ring and hits Phoenix with a crucifix.  James gets the three count and eliminates Pheonix, who then attacks Mickie with a big forearm.  Alicia Fox is in. She goes for the pin on Mickie but only gets two.  Alicia hits a Northern Lights suplex,. Alicia picks Mickie up and slams her into the corner before setting her on the top turnbuckle.  Mickie kicks Alicia away and connects with a big splash on Fox.  Mickie gets the three count on Fox to eliminate her.  McCool is right in the ring to work on Mickie with a series of stomps and leg drops.

    Melina sends McCool into the ropes and hits a double knee drop to her back.  McCool goes for a kick but Melina ducks into a back bride to fight out of it.  McCool grabs Melina by her hair though and slams her down to the mat.  McCool picks Melina up, but Melina counters into a sunset flip powerbomb to put McCool’s shoulders to the mat for a three count.

    Winners and Survivors: Melina and Mickie James

    We get a recap of what happened earlier in the night between Batista and Rey Mysterio.  Todd Grisham is backstage with Batista.  Batista asks Grisham if Mysterio was embarrassed tonight, well Batista was embarrassed for him.

    Triple Threat WWE Title Match: John Cena vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels

    DX actually comes down to the ring together. They get a good reaction from the crowd. WWE Champion John Cena is out last to a huge pop from the crowd.  We get formal ring introductions for all three men, and the main event of the evening is underway.

    HBK hits Triple H with Sweet Chin Music right off the bat and Cena is shocked. HBK and Cena lock up with Micheals hitting a quick neckbreaker on the champ.  Michaels chops away at him and connects with a Lou Thesz press.  Michaels throws Cena into the corner and chops away at him, but Cena fights back and connects with a bulldog.  Cena hits HBK with a fisherman suplex and sends Michaels into opposite corner rela hard. Michaels goes upside down in the corner and Cena kicks away at him. Cena goes for the Attitude Adjustment but HBK fights out and answers with a modified DDT.

    Michaels has the upper hand on Cena and starts working on his knee. Michaels locks in the figure four and Cena is in real trouble. Cena turns Michaels over, reversing the figure four and putting the pressure on Michaels’ legs, forcing him to break the hold.  Michaels and Cena trade chops and punches, with Cena getting the upper hand. Cena hits a shoulder block.  He goes for another one, but Michaels side steps him and Cena eats the canvas and rolls to the outside.  HBK launches himself over the ropes and wipes out Cena with a slingshot cross body.

    HBK takes apart the announce table, but when he picks up Cena, Cena catches him in position for the AA.  Triple H breaks it up, but Michaels turns right around into a spinebuster through the table from the Game.  Hunter goes to work on Cena, sending him into the ring.  Cena fights back with a couple of right hands, but he’s quick to fall victim to a spinebuster.  hunter goes for the pin, but Cena kicks out at two.  Triple H punches away at Cena, keeping him down on the mat, before picking him up and launching him into the corner.  Hunter pounds on Cena for a bit before launching him again into the opposte corner. Hunter goes for the pin again, but Cena is still able to kick out.

    Hunter hits a neck breaker, but it’s only good for another near fall.  Hunter charges Cena in the corner, but Cena gets his knees up and fights back.  Hunter surprises Cena with a  predigree attempt out of nowhere, but Cena fights out and slingshots Hunter into the corner.  Cena is slow back to his feet, and he falls victim to a quick lariat from Hunter, again good for a near fall.

    Hunter and Cena trade blows in the middle of the ring and Cena is able to get the upper hand with dual shoulder blocks before his modified belly to back suplex.  Cena hits the five knuckle shuffle before stalking Triple H for the AA.  Michaels breaks it up and sends Cena shoulder first into the ring post.  Hunter and Michaels stare each other down in the middle of the ring.

    Hunter sends Cena to the outside and that allows Michaels to hit a couple of inverted atomic drops and chops, but when Michaels comes off the ropes, Hunter catches him with a high knee before following it up with a face buster.  Michaels hits a flying forearm, and kips up, but it’s right into a spinebuster from Hunter.  Triple H tries for the pedigree, but Micheals counters into a backdrop.

    Michaels goes to the top turnbuckle where he almost falls off before he’s crotched by John Cena.  Cena goes up to a different corner, and goes for a top rope leg drop on Hunter, but Hunter moves.  Michaels connects with a big elbow drop, but he’s sent to the outside by Hunter.  Cena locks in the STF on Hunter out of nowhere in the middle of the ring.

    Michaels comes in from behind and locks in the crossface on John Cena, forcing him to break the STF.  Cena stands up with Michaels on his shoulders, but Michaels battles out, only to be put into the STF. Michaels makes it into the ropes, forcing Cena to break the hold.  Michaels connects with sweet chin music on Cena and follows it up with another on Triple H, who lands on top of Cena.  The ref starts the count, but Cena kicks out at two.

    Both men are slow to get to their feet, but when they do, Cena catches Hunter with the AA, but Cena looks exhausted.  Michaels makes his way back into the ring, slowly, and both Cena and Michaels crawl to make the pin.  Both men make the pin on Hunter, but Hunter kicks out at two.

    Michaels tries for Sweet Chin Music on Cena but he blocks.  There’s a crazy series of events with everyone trying for their finisher.  Michaels hits Sweet Chin Music on Hunter, and Cena connects with an Attitude Adjustment on Michaels on top of Hunter.  Cena covers Triple H and gets the three count.

    Winner and STILL WWE Champion: John Cena

    Cena poses with the title, and signs a t-shirt for one of the servicemen at ringside.

    Cue the closing credits and Survivor Series 2009 is a wrap!

    Thanks to everybody who joined us for our Live Coverage!

    Michaels goes to the top turnbuckle where he almost falls off before he's crotched by John Cena.  Cena goes up to a different corner, and goes for a top rope leg drop on Hunter, but Hunter moves.  Michaels connects with a big elbow drop, but he's sent to the outside by Hunter.  Cena locks in the STF on Hunter out of nowhere in the middle of the ring.

  • Khali Suspended From Punjab Police, Burchill To Raw, Sheamus

    – Evan Bourne vs. Paul Burchill is advertised for the RAW live event in Charlottesville, Virginia on November 29th. It looks like Paul and Katie Lea are headed to the RAW brand after leaving ECW this past week.

    – The 11/17 edition of ECW did a 1.1 rating.

    – Sheamus will be doing a live chat on WWE’s website this Sunday before the Survivor Series pay-per-view.

    – DNA India reports that The Great Khali has been suspended from his role with the Punjab Police. According to Arunpal Singh, Commandant of 7th Batallion of Punjab Armed Police, Khali was granted leave until December of last year, during which he participated in pro wrestling and acting endeavors. He applied for an additional five years off, but he was not granted such an “extraordinary circumstances” leave of absence and was thus required to report back to duty. He did not, so the suspension resulted. “As per the rule, Dalip Singh Rana (Khali) was not entitled to any further leave and there was no option other than to suspend him”, said Arunpal Singh.

  • TNA Drug Testing, Daniels Comments On Hogan, Tomko

    – Another round of drug testing took place prior to Monday’s TNA iMPACT! tapings in Orlando. From what we’re hearing, several top stars were included in the testing.

    – Tomko, who will be revealed as AJ Styles’ mystery attacker, is expected to wrestle Styles at the January or February pay-per-views, so that storyline has not been dropped.

    – Christopher Daniels appeared on the “Busted Open” radio show on Sirius XM satlite radio this week and commented on Hulk Hogan partnering with TNA. “Honestly, right now it’s just sort of a wait and see situation for me personally,” he said. “I know that the name Hulk Hogan has been synonymous with wrestling for forever. So many of us have grown up watching him and knowing what he brought to the wrestling business. Now for him to be here at TNA, you have to wait and see what’s going to happen.” He added, “I’m not really sure what his status is going to be and what his position is going to be here, but you can just look at all the talk that has happened since he signed. It’s become almost a monster in the sense that that’s all everyone is talking about. ‘What’s Hogan going to do with TNA? What’s going to happen to TNA now that Hogan is there?’ So it’s bringing attention to our product. It’s bringing attention to TNA.”

  • Jerry Lawler Says Jim Ross Could Return At WrestleMania

    WWE announcer Jerry Lawler tells the UK Sun that even if Jim Ross is healthy and able to return to work in the coming months, WWE will probably hold off on bringing him back to the announcer’s table until WrestleMania 26 next year.

    “There’s a strong possibility that WrestleMania could be when he makes a return,” Lawler said. “Even if it’s a situation where he could return a little bit before that, it might be best to just wait and let him come back at Mania — as the comeback of JR would be a big draw.”

    Lawler repeated what JR said in a recent blog, that it will two or three months to become “facially ready” for TV again. Lawler says Ross’s voice sounds fine over the phone and someone on the other end wouldn’t know he’s only able to talk out of one side of his mouth.

    “I texted him last night, and spoke with him this past week, and he’s doing better but says it will probably be a few months before he’s facially ready to be back on television,” Lawler said. “But when you talk to him, when you just hear his voice, you can’t tell. He doesn’t have slurred speech any more.”